I've had these shoes for a couple years now (going on my second pair) and they've been really great. I do a lot of different climbing: hard sport, easier trad, half-day walls and some bouldering. They have worked well for me no matter what I'm climbing. The rubber is really sticky and has held up nicely. The only thing I don't like about them is the fact that the leather upper and elastic stretch slightly (maybe 1/2 European size) after a while. But they're super easy to take on/off between pitches.

This bivy is waterproof. However there are a couple things to keep in mind: 1) If you expect ANY rain, be sure to understand that without modification this will not keep you dry. 2) If you expect to be able to sleep with the hood down, be prepared to be damp from condensation in the morning.

I've used this for 60 days in Maine but ended up carrying a lightweight, very small tarp in addition. I set up the tarp and made sure the head of my bivy was underneath. Then, when it rained I could have the hood open, which eliminated condensation and sheltered me 100% from the rain. It also gave me a nice dry place to change, store gear, etc.

I had the margarita flavor when I was not sweating and it tasted very gross - waaaay too salty. But then I tried them again after a half day of hard climbing in the hot sun and I couldn't get enough! The Margarita flavor is salty enough to keep your body in tip-top function and tasty and small enough to actually want to carry!